CVE-2010-3056 in phpMyAdmin
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in phpMyAdmin 2.11.x before 2.11.10.1 and 3.x before 3.3.5.1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to (1) db_search.php, (2) db_sql.php, (3) db_structure.php, (4) js/messages.php, (5) libraries/common.lib.php, (6) libraries/database_interface.lib.php, (7) libraries/dbi/mysql.dbi.lib.php, (8) libraries/dbi/mysqli.dbi.lib.php, (9) libraries/db_info.inc.php, (10) libraries/sanitizing.lib.php, (11) libraries/sqlparser.lib.php, (12) server_databases.php, (13) server_privileges.php, (14) setup/config.php, (15) sql.php, (16) tbl_replace.php, and (17) tbl_sql.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3056 represents a critical cross-site scripting vulnerability affecting multiple versions of phpMyAdmin, specifically targeting releases prior to 2.11.10.1 and 3.3.5.1. This flaw exists across numerous phpMyAdmin components and file paths, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through various attack vectors within the application's web interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in web responses, creating opportunities for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. Attackers can exploit these weaknesses by crafting malicious input through the identified phpMyAdmin scripts including database search functionality, SQL execution interfaces, and administrative components. The vulnerability affects core database management operations such as database structure viewing, SQL query execution, and privilege management, making it particularly dangerous for database administrators who regularly use these features. Each of the seventeen identified vulnerable files represents a potential entry point for attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser session.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-3056 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to establish persistent malicious presence within the target environment. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized database operations, or redirect users to malicious websites. The vulnerability's widespread nature across multiple phpMyAdmin modules means that even if one attack vector is patched, others remain accessible to attackers. This creates a significant risk for organizations using phpMyAdmin for database administration, particularly those with multiple users who may inadvertently trigger the vulnerability through normal database operations.
Security practitioners should implement comprehensive mitigations including immediate patching of affected phpMyAdmin versions to the latest releases, implementing proper input validation and output encoding throughout the application, and establishing network-based protections such as web application firewalls. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to OWASP Top Ten guidelines for preventing XSS attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as Content Security Policy headers and regular security assessments of database management interfaces. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving command and control communication, credential access, and privilege escalation through web application exploitation, making it a significant concern for enterprise security teams managing database environments.